Friend's Like This
Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),
By Wednesday morning I had already reached my “word count” for the week. I started my day with what I lovingly call an “introvert hangover.” On Monday I was asked to train a practicum student, which I later learned through our conversation was a former student at MBS which led to talking more than usual. Tuesday I got called upon to facilitate a class at the last minute to guys I didn’t know, again that meant talking more; but this is where our omnipotent, omnipresent and loving God shows up and comforts because on Wednesday I had a cancellation that allowed me time to regroup.
It’s Thursday and I’ll be seeing as many as three additional clients more than I normally do. I share this to point out that God is on the move and I’m reminded how thankful I am for friends that hold me up in prayer as I go, do, and move as God would have me. Equally important is that I remain that friend interceding on behalf of others on the regular as well as during a battle or crisis.
I’ve been reflecting on a statement that popped in my head last week that I’d like to share with you. Take a moment and think over it and your friendships: friends can either be assets or liabilities. Scripture teaches us that…
friends affect us for better or for worse. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT
that a true friend favors us by a kind rebuke when it is needed. In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. Proverbs 28:23 NLT
a true friend is one who may hurt us at times for our good. 11 Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Proverbs 25:11-12 NLT
May we be encouraged to either be the friend or have the friends that GiG Sharon describes—when the enemy attacks hard she (or he) is reliable, has our back and is willing to do battle on our behalf, like Moses had.
Loving My Friends,
D. Andrews
